Cruelty to Animals is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person neglects or causes harm to an animal. A police officer is being investigated for this crime after allegedly shooting a dog that was barking at him. According to the report, the officer was called to a residence regarding an aggressive dog. As the officer was walking toward the dog’s owner, a small dog began barking and the officer responded by shooting it in the head. The dog did survive the shot and the incident was caught on camera, spiking outrage. The Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident, confirming that the case is under review and charges may be filed.
Fort Collins Animal Cruelty Attorney: Definition of Animal Cruelty in Larimer County
The Larimer and Boulder County, Colorado law definition of Animal Cruelty – C.R.S. 18-9-202 – is:
(1.5) A person commits cruelty to animals if he or she recklessly or with criminal negligence tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal.
Aggravated Cruelty to Animals is charged when a person torture, mutilates or kills an animal knowingly. Because the call to the home was for an aggressive dog, the officer will likely argue self-defense, which seems like a valid argument. If I had an animal coming at me aggressively, I would want to be able to defend myself – especially if I had some warning that the animal showed aggressive behaviors in the past.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Cruelty to Animals in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule your free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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